Guys,

I'm slowly addressing all of the little problems on my Z and next on the list is the grimy, oily oil pump. Its obviously leaking or weeping from one of the gaskets/seals and needs attention. Are there any tricks to removing and replacing the oil pump? My Nissan workshop manual mentions that the Distributor must be removed first... I'd rather leave it alone if at all possible.

Your thoughts?

Hayden.

You do not have to remove the distributor in order to remove the oile pump.

HOWEVER, in order to re-install the oil pump properly, you will need to have the distributor removed in order to align the drive shaft that operates both the oil pump AND the distrubutor properly. Read a bit further in the manual and you'll understand why this is necessary.

There is no reason to be concerned about removing the distributor as it is mounted to the timing cover by only two 10mm hex bolts. Quite simple.

Originally posted by Bambikiller240

You do not have to remove the distributor in order to remove the oile pump.

HOWEVER, in order to re-install the oil pump properly, you will need to have the distributor removed in order to align the drive shaft that operates both the oil pump AND the distrubutor properly. Read a bit further in the manual and you'll understand why this is necessary.

There is no reason to be concerned about removing the distributor as it is mounted to the timing cover by only two 10mm hex bolts. Quite simple.

It is important that the engine be rotated to TDC before removal of either component,AND that he "tang" below the distutor be oriented EXACTLY the same when you re-install. Again, read the manual for clarification as to why and how.

Thanks Carl,

That is pretty much what I expected would be required distributor-wise...I was just hoping I could "let well alone" and play with the oil pump in isolation.

I haven't delved deply into the architecture of L6 engines before... Would I be right in guessing that the distributor is driven off the crank at half speed and that its shaft extends down and couples with the oil pump...hence the need for everything to be in a 'known' position at the time of removal and refit (ie TDC)?

You've got it, Hayden!